There is nothing imaginary about the charm, heart, and whimsy of John Krasinski's newest film IF or the performances put on by the always funny Ryan Reynolds and the scene-stealing Cailey Fleming.

IF Movie Review

During the pandemic, John Krasinski noticed a change in his daughters, as the light started to leave their eyes when they began to ask more serious questions about life. In his mind, he thought this is it. This is what it looks like when we grow up. That moment led him to bringing IF to life. While he always knew he wanted to do a film about imaginary friends, he realized this was how to tell an impactful story–through the lens of a young girl on the cusp of leaving her childhood wonderment behind. It has its heart and humor in the right place, entertaining the kids while offering a big, comforting hug from childhood for the adults.

IF has it all– whimsy, charm, and a heart full of love. It comes bearing a beautiful message about the magic of childhood and how it's not something we have to lose just because we grew up. IF is a film many of us (myself included) would have loved as a kid but will cherish even more so as adults. Taking on the mantle of writer and director (as well as a supporting role), Krasinski balances the emotional core with the fun for something truly wonderful that speaks to audiences of all ages. Just have tissues ready because those are real tears in your eyes.

Elizabeth “Bea” (Cailey Fleming) is a solemn 12-year-old, who insists she isn't a child anymore after the tragic loss of her mother. Now with her father (Krasinski) facing his own medical issue, she is sent back to her grandmother's home (Fiona Shaw) to wait it all out. Her grandmother digs out all her old paints and crafts while her father encourages her to keep telling stories rather than worry about him. However, Bea tells them she is too grownup for all of that, after all she has more serious things to think about. All that changes when Bea meets a black and white butterfly ballerina named Blossom (Phoebe Waller-Bridge), who leads her to Cal (Ryan Reynolds), the slightly cranky caretaker of IFs, and the realization she can see imaginary friends.

Bea decides she wants to help Blue (Steve Carell), a giant purple IF, and all the other forgotten IFs find kids so that they are no longer homeless. Do they disappear (like Bing Bong in Inside Out)? No one really knows and the particulars are never actually explored. That could have been the whole story, a frenzied race through imagination to save the IFs before they are forgotten forever. But that's not what Krasinski had in mind. Rather the film is more interested in the friends themselves, where they came from, and most importantly what they symbolize.

Reynolds called his a live-action Pixar film in a behind-the-scenes video and he's not wrong. But it's not going to be the UP like opening montage that will make you sob the hardest (although I did start tearing up almost immediately), no it's the way Krasinski gently reminds us that imagination is not something we have to lose and that even when life is hard to never stop seeing the wonder around us.

Movies like this always make me emotional to some degree. I think that like one of the messages of this film, my childhood dreams and sense of fascination with the world are something I still try to hold onto, in spite of reality telling me I have to let go. IF focuses on that loss we face but also offers the hope that it isn't permanent. That the simple act of taking time to remember can bring all that wonder back, revitalizing our spirits, and helping us once again dream big. And I'm tearing up again just writing this all out. Moving on.

The IFs' world is a whimsical place where anything is possible. Bea transforms the dull retirement home of the IFs (located under Coney Island) into one that suits their unique abilities and favorite things. It's impossible not to sit there wide-eyed with a big smile on your face as the hallways and rooms magically morph into something amazing. The only one not enjoying this is Cal who tries his best not to be involved in any fun. This of course leads to hilarious sequences as he tries to literally outrun a good time. Spoiler alert Cal, you're not fast enough.

Then there is the design of the Ifs themselves. Blue is a giant purple, fluffy, IF who makes you feel like the world could be cured with one of his hugs. There is a unicorn that creates rainbows, a pink alligator, a detective shadow, and even an invisible IF named Keith, whose random appearances are just as funny as the one in the trailer. They are quirky, odd, and adorable, brought to life by such a talented and extensive voice cast. Emily Blunt, Bradley Cooper, George Clooney, and Blake Lively are just a few of the vocal cameos. Some adults may get distracted trying to figure out who is playing who but the internet is there for you after the credits roll. So just relax and try to turn off that part of your brain.

The standouts though are Carell as Blue and the late, great Louis Gossett Jr. as Lewis, the kind hearted leader of the Ifs. Carell brings big golden retriever energy to Blue. He's slightly awkward but always friendly and eager to make someone smile. In his performance he truly gets across the feeling that anything could be cured by a big Blue hug. Gossett Jr.'s Lewis isn't just the heart of the If community, he's also a major part of the emotional through line of the film. There is a conversation he has with Bea that had tears streaming down my face. It is powerful yet tender and timely. It is exactly what a lot of us need to hear. Stay through the credits for a special tribute to this legend.

Reynolds does a family-friendly version of his trademark exasperated, sarcastic quipster routine and naturally shines. Between his facial expressions and commitment to the physical comedy of it all, Reynolds is as great as ever. But it's Fleming who steals the show. She gives a remarkable performance, cementing her as one to watch. From beginning the film with a serious, stoic nature to allowing the cracks to show as Bea begins to regain her joy, Fleming truly nails it. She is a character older kids, especially tweens and teens will relate to but she also mirrors the adults watching. We are the serious ones and we are also the ones in desperate need of that pure happiness children innately have within them.

Verdict

IF has its heart on its sleeve, offering a sweet, sincere message within the confines of a world that is whimsical and magical. It takes a few to get Bea to the imaginary friends and her new job, which may seem like a bummer to some. But Krasinski's character-driven approach to the story, allows us to form a strong connection to her, which in turn amplifies all the emotional beats. Yes, this film tugs at your heartstrings, so you're going to feel things that lead to a good kind of cry. It's cathartic for adults and even older teens who are starting to feel the weight of “adulthood” on their backs. It's IF's optimistic tone that sees it through to the end. It's a reminder that no matter what happens in life, nothing can steal our wonder. We only need to take the time to remember what it's like to be filled with that unwavering hope and joy that was with us in our childhood.

IF debuts in theaters May 17. It is rated PG for thematic elements and mild language with a runtime of 1 hour 44 minutes.